I would think that a board of these dimensions, designed for human use (no sharp edges etc), and quick handling for the lifesaver (light weight) would be best represented by the medical/lifesaving equipment community in the areas of strength, safety stiffness and lightness.
ie if they could make it lighter/stonger etc, they'd already be doing it for this product.
ie when you design a 7lb board to hold 1000#, you'll be set for life $$ manufacturing spineboards.
just a quick google on wood 2x4 weight 1.21#/ft, wood hakas with 4 boards 6' long would be about 30# each haka...not sure how accurate compared those actually out there (?)
the ProLite is only #14
or check out the 'Eco' model, it's 16# for $99, and I just don't think it gets better for that, considering i don't buy the wood, tools, work a bunch of hours, mess it up/repeat...i'm confident it works...and also has a residual value on craigslist.
or see the 'ProSlide' which weighs just 6#, but seems less sturdy:
http://www.prolitespineboards.com/proslidethe TI plus two crew is already 450-500# so when I'm a few miles out, just a few extra lbs of strength and EMT knowhow, that will also float me and my fish back home (lol) would be nice.
and if the boat sinks, you've got built in life rafts for each person....heck i'd almost consider these a necessary lifeboat for going offshore, with the happenstance that stowing them makes great benches.
how about strapping one of the small kayak sail/boom *under* the spineboard, and have a pre-drilled hole for mounting...after the storm breaks up your TI/AI, just sailboard back home....at least the uscg will love the fact you provided your own emt devices haha
This is what makes this darn island kayak so cool, lots of innovation potential
I'd like to see a quad-ama TI, with 8+ of these boards, a jib and spinnaker e-motor, and 3-4 guys go win a billfish tourney...strap some boards together and float the monster behind...
Have a Hobie Day!